Dear Neighbors,

This Thanksgiving, as families gather around tables across New York, I want to take a moment to say thank you — for being part of our Catholic Charities of New York family.

Over the past several weeks, from the Bronx to Staten Island, our food pantries and community kitchens have been filled with the sounds of gratitude — children laughing, volunteers serving their neighbors, and families sharing in the simple joy of a holiday meal together. Because of your compassion, thousands of New Yorkers were able to bring home groceries, sit down to a warm meal, and experience the comfort of knowing they are not alone.

Every meal shared is a reminder of what we can do when we come together. Each bag of groceries, each plate of turkey and vegetables, each kind word exchanged between neighbors — all of it reflects the heart of our mission: to provide help and create hope for every New Yorker in need.

This year has not been without challenges.  Many New Yorkers continue to struggle with the high cost of food and disruptions to essential benefits — from the government shutdown and interrupted SNAP assistance to the rising burden of healthcare costs. But through it all, your generosity has made it possible for Catholic Charities to continue serving those who might otherwise go hungry.  For that, I am deeply grateful.

On behalf of all of us at Catholic Charities — our staff, volunteers, and the thousands of families we serve — thank you for walking beside us in faith and kindness.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with peace, gratitude, and the joy of knowing you’ve helped bring hope to others. God bless you and your loved ones.

With gratitude,
J. Antonio Fernández
Chief Executive Officer